Creep Processes of Continental Slope and Rise Sediments

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There is considerable geological and geophysical evidence that downslope sediment deformations occur due to creep on or within many submarine slopes. The rate of creep is primarily controlled by the configuration of the slope and the sediment type. The objective of this research program is to understand the mechanisms of creep and creep rupture and be able to predict creep deformations both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. To achieve this goal four distinct phases of work are proposed: a geological/geophysical analysis, a laboratory testing program to determine creep related material properties and to verify constructive models, development of a finite element procedure to analyze creep deformations, and laboratory physical models to study deformation patterns under simplifed conditions.